Rio de Janeiro – Flamengo has issued a strongly worded statement against Spanish Segunda División club UD Almería, and by extension, Cristiano Ronaldo, over an outstanding debt stemming from the 2022 transfer of forward Lázaro Vinicius. The Brazilian club is seeking approximately €1.8 million, a sum that has been in arrears for 590 days, and alleges a breach of contract regarding tax reimbursements.
The dispute centers around Lázaro’s move to Almería in August 2022. Flamengo claims that Almería is obligated to reimburse the club for taxes paid related to the transfer. According to Flamengo’s statement, FIFA has already recognized the club’s right to this reimbursement, yet Almería has failed to comply. “The case is objective and unequivocal: there is an express contractual obligation that assigns the Spanish club the responsibility for the payment or reimbursement of taxes collected in Spain,” the statement reads.
Adding a new layer to the situation, Cristiano Ronaldo acquired a 25% stake in Almería through his company, CR7 Sports Investments, in February 2026. This connection has prompted Flamengo to directly address Ronaldo in their public rebuke, though the extent of his involvement in the financial dispute remains unclear. The club’s statement specifically notes Ronaldo’s recent acquisition, highlighting the timing in relation to the unresolved debt.
Flamengo detailed that despite paying over €1.5 million in taxes themselves, and with FIFA acknowledging their right to be reimbursed, Almería continues to default on its obligation. The total debt, including accrued interest after 590 days, now exceeds €1.8 million. The club expressed its “vehement repudiation” of Almería’s conduct, characterizing it as a “flagrant disregard for the commitments made and the rules governing international football relations.”
The Brazilian club isn’t stopping at a public statement. Flamengo has announced its intention to escalate the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to seek a resolution. “Flamengo trusts that the competent bodies, especially the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS), will deliver the appropriate response to this conduct, guaranteeing compliance with the decisions already issued within FIFA and adherence to the commitments made,” the statement concluded.
This isn’t simply a financial dispute; it’s a matter of principle for Flamengo, a club with a rich history and a large, passionate fanbase. The club is determined to enforce its contractual rights and ensure that Almería fulfills its financial obligations. The involvement of a global icon like Cristiano Ronaldo adds further scrutiny to the situation, raising questions about his role in the club’s financial management and his awareness of the outstanding debt.
The timing of this dispute is particularly noteworthy as Almería currently competes in LaLiga Hypermotion, the second tier of Spanish football, and is striving for promotion to LaLiga. The financial strain of this debt could potentially impact the club’s ability to invest in players and resources necessary for a successful promotion campaign.
For fans unfamiliar with the process, CAS serves as the final court of appeal for sports-related disputes. Its rulings are binding and generally respected by football governing bodies worldwide. Flamengo’s decision to pursue this avenue demonstrates the seriousness with which they are approaching the matter. The club is confident that CAS will uphold FIFA’s previous decision and compel Almería to settle the debt.
The situation also raises broader questions about financial fair play and the responsibility of club ownership in ensuring compliance with contractual obligations. Ronaldo’s investment in Almería was touted as a potential catalyst for growth and success, but this dispute casts a shadow over his involvement and raises concerns about the club’s financial stability.
Flamengo will be closely monitoring the proceedings at CAS, and the outcome of this case could set a precedent for similar disputes in international football. The club’s strong stance against Almería sends a clear message that it will not tolerate breaches of contract and will vigorously defend its financial interests.
The next step in this unfolding saga will be the formal filing of Flamengo’s case with CAS. A timeline for the proceedings has not yet been established, but the club is expected to move swiftly to resolve the matter. Fans and observers will be watching closely to witness how this dispute unfolds and what impact it will have on both Flamengo and Almería.
Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates on this developing story.
